21 Women's Organizations You Need to Know

American Association of University Women advances equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy and research. AAUW (formerly known as the American Association of University Women) is a nationwide network of more than 100,000 members and donors, 1,000 branches and 500 college and university institution partners.

The American Medical Women’s Association is an organization which functions at the local, national and international level to advance women in medicine and improve women’s health. We achieve this by providing and developing leadership, advocacy, education, expertise, mentoring and through building strategic alliances.

Founded in 1995, Asian Women In Business (AWIB) is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization with the primary mission of assisting Asian women entrepreneurs and professionals. AWIB also serves on various task forces and boards to promote the inclusion of minority and women owned businesses and professionals.

The Association for Women in Communications is a professional organization that champions the advancement of women across all communications disciplines by recognizing excellence, promoting leadership and positioning its members at the forefront of the evolving communications era.

The Center provides knowledge about women business owners and their enterprises worldwide. It provides original, ground-breaking research to document the economic and social contributions of women-owned firms, and consulting and public relations services to maximize the benefits of this knowledge.

Financial Women’s Association is a nonprofit professional organization established in 1956 by a group of Wall Street women. Its goals are: to advance professionalism in finance and in the financial services industry with special emphasis on the role and development of women, to attain greater recognition for women’s achievements in business, to encourage women to seek career opportunities in finance and business.

The General Federation of Women’s Clubs is a nonpartisan, nondenominational, women’s volunteer service organization founded in 1890. More than 100,000 members in affiliated clubs in every state and more than a dozen countries work in their own communities to support the arts, preserve natural resources, advance education, promote healthy lifestyles, encourage civic involvement, and work toward world peace and understanding.

Girls Incorporated is a national nonprofit youth organization dedicated to inspiring all girls to be strong, smart and bold. With roots dating to 1864, Girls Inc. has provided vital educational programs to millions of American girls, particularly those in high-risk, underserved areas.

The League of Women Voters of the United States, a nonpartisan political organization, has fought since 1920 to improve systems of government and impact public policies through citizen education and advocacy. The League’s enduring vitality and resonance comes from its unique decentralized structure. The League is a grassroots organization, working at the national, state and local levels.

Founded in 1972, the National Association of Female Executives provides education, networking and public advocacy to empower its members to achieve career success and financial security. Members are women executives, business owners, entrepreneurs and others who are committed to NAFE’s mission: the advancement of women in the workplace.

The National Association of Women Business Owners propels women entrepreneurs into economic, social and political spheres of power worldwide by: strengthening the wealth creating capacity of our members and promoting economic development within the entrepreneurial community, creating innovative and effective change in the business culture, building strategic alliances, coalitions and affiliations, and transforming public policy and influencing opinion makers

The National Council of Jewish Women is a volunteer organization that has been at the forefront of social change through championing the needs of women, children, and families — while taking a progressive stance on such issues as child welfare, women’s rights, and reproductive freedom.

The National Council of Negro Women is a council of national African-American women’s organizations and community-based sections. NCNW’s mission is to lead, develop and advocate for women of African descent as they support their families and communities. NCNW fulfills this purpose through research, advocacy and national and community-based services and programs.

The National Latina Business Women Association (NLBWA) is national association created to champion effective programs and services that address the unique context Latinas face in business and professions. Through a network of chapters across the country, NLBWA’s mission is to promote, develop and support the rapid growth and successes of Latina business owners and professionals through increased representation, mentorship and networking opportunities.

The largest organization of feminist activists in the United States, NOW has 500,000 contributing members and 550 chapters in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Since its founding in 1966, NOW’s goal has been to take action to bring about equality for all women.

The National Women’s Business Council is a bipartisan federal advisory council created to serve as an independent source of advice and policy recommendations to the President, Congress, and the U.S. Small Business Administration on economic issues of importance to women business owners. The Council’s mission is to promote bold initiatives, policies and programs designed to support women’s business enterprises at all stages of development in the public and private sector marketplaces, from start-up to success to significance.

Women Impacting Public Policy is a national nonpartisan public policy organization that advocates for and on behalf of women and minorities in business in the legislative processes of our nation, creating economic opportunities and building bridges and alliances to other small business organizations.

Women in Technology International is a trade association for tech-savvy women, empowering women in business and technology to achieve unimagined possibilities. WITI has programs and partnerships that provide connections, resources, opportunities and a supportive environment of women committed to helping each other.

The YWCA is one of the oldest and largest multicultural women’s organization in the world. Across the globe, the organization has more than 25 million members in 106 countries, including 2.6 million members and participants in 300 local associations in the United States. The YWCA’s mission is to eliminate racism and empower women.

Zonta International is a global organization of executives and professionals working together to advance the status of women worldwide through service and advocacy. With more than 31,000 members in 66 countries and geographic areas, members volunteer their time, talents and support to local and international service projects as well as scholarship programs.